Where K-Pop Precision Meets Global Sensibility... The Future of Collaboration Shown by KATSEYE and ‘K-Popd’

New models that combine K-Pop’s rigorous training systems with the sensibilities of Western pop music are attracting attention on the global stage. KATSEYE, a six-member girl group created through a partnership between HYBE and Geffen Records, made its debut via Netflix’s survival show ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ (2023) and recently won the ‘MTV Push Performance of the Year’ award at the MTV VMA for their song ‘Touch’. Composed of members from the Philippines, Switzerland, the United States, and South Korea, KATSEYE exhibits a unique identity that fuses the strictness of K-Pop training with the creativity of global pop. Member Lara said, “The treasures KATSEYE brings to the pop world are representation, empowerment, powerful performances, and showmanship—elements our group truly values and wants to continue developing.” Member Megan, who is from Hawaii, added, “At first, I thought K-Pop training would be strict and rigid, but I learned it’s about teamwork, creativity, and supporting one another.” Korean member Yoonchae explained that training in Los Angeles allowed her to combine the strengths of both worlds and draw inspiration from both American music and the K-Pop industry, noting that the discipline, hard work, and dedication required of Korean trainees are very similar. Member Sophia mentioned that BTS’s approach to breaking boundaries as Asian artists, along with their group dynamics and messages through music, greatly inspired her.

Meanwhile, Apple TV+’s music competition series ‘K-Popd’ features K-Pop idol groups and foreign pop stars reimagining each other’s hit songs within 48 hours. It was conceived in November 2021 through the collaboration between CJ Group Vice Chairman Imee Kim and pop star Lionel Richie. Legendary pop stars such as Boyz II Men and Patti LaBelle performed alongside Korean idols. Director Lee Yeon-gyu recalled Patti LaBelle (81)’s performance, saying, “She sang perfectly during rehearsals, bringing tears to the eyes of group Billlie and all the staff.” He also remembered an impressive scene where the three members of Boyz II Men sang ‘Silent Night’ a cappella while waiting. The foreign pop stars were reportedly fascinated by K-Pop’s ‘ending fairy’ culture on stage. Arrangements were created through collaboration between Korean and British composers, with Boy George wanting Korean lyrics included directly. Director Lee said, “There were positive responses to collaborating with K-Pop artists, and many expressed strong interest in participating. Apple was interested in creating such a program.” ‘K-Popd’, which consists of 8 episodes, ranked first among real-time popular content in the Tving Apple TV+ brand section right after its release and once reached fourth place in Apple TV+’s global top TV shows category on FlixPatrol.

On another note, HUNTR/X, the real-life singers from Netflix’s animated musical ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ about K-Pop demon hunters, attended the MTV VMA to celebrate their success with their song ‘Golden’, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The members expressed a desire to hear more ‘bangers’ in future projects.